15 Reasons to Fall in Love

Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece

1. Zoro had no sense of taste.
 Sanji was a chef, it didn't even make sense for him to date someone who didn't have taste buds. Zoro ate food robotically, never expressing a preference. If he didn't have a sense of taste, he didn't belong with Sanji.

Sanji woke slowly the following morning. It was second nature to him to wake early, like he'd been born with an inner alarm clock, though it was more likely from years of cooking for people. Preparations had to be made early for breakfast patrons, so Sanji was well accustomed to getting up early. It wasn't always easy though, especially on mornings after a night spent up late writing lists about why it was a bad idea to pursue a relationship with a certain moss-headed swordsman.

Sanji's eyes snapped open. Oh yes, Zoro had confessed to him last night. The memory woke Sanji up instantly and he sat up in his hammock. He threw a look around the bunkroom, like he was expecting something to have changed in the middle of the night. But no, his crew mates were sleeping soundly, most snoring at volumes Sanji had long since learned to tune out.

Sanji looked to Zoro's hammock. The swordsman lay snoring softly (compared to others, anyway) looking the same as every other morning. As if nothing out of the ordinary had happened last night. Sanji almost passed it off as a dream, perhaps brought on by too much tarragon on the chicken? But when he shifted to slide off his hammock the crinkle of paper in his pocket reassured him the seasoning on the chicken had been perfect, and that his encounter with Zoro had definitely happened.

Fully alert now, and a little on edge, Sanji straightened himself and headed for the marimo's hammock. He was half tempted to throw a kick in the other man's direction, but that would surely wake the rest of the crew. Sanji didn't need that just yet. Besides, Zoro looked so peaceful in his sleep at the moment…Sanji shook himself mentally and prodded the swordsman.

With an undignified grunt, Zoro rolled and peeked his eyes open. "Waddya want, cook?" He grunted.

"I want you get up and follow me. We need to talk," Sanji replied, before turning to leave the bunkroom. The swordsman would follow or not, Sanji didn't know which he preferred.

It was only a moment later though that he was joined by Zoro. The moss-head looked full awake now, with an uncertain look in his eyes. He probably wondered if Sanji called him out here to kick his ass. Sanji thought about it, if only to relieve some of the stress this whole situation was causing him. He wouldn't though, not yet. He needed to set Zoro straight properly first. He was flattered by the marimo's confession, but he couldn't accept his feelings. Still…he didn't want to hurt Zoro. Sanji was surprised at how seriously he was taking this.

"Here," Sanji finally said, slipping the paper from his pocket and passing it to Zoro. He busied himself with lighting up a cigarette while he waited for Zoro to read it.

But Zoro just held the folded sheet, staring at it like Sanji had placed something slimy and unidentifiable in his hand instead. "What is it?" He asked.

"A list," Sanji explained. "Of reasons I can't accept your feelings."

Instead of inspecting his list, like Sanji assumed he would, Zoro threw him an angry glare. "I don't want it," He replied, shoving the list into Sanji's chest with more force than was necessary.

"Hey!" Sanji choked out. "Why not?"

Zoro fixed him with a steady glare, but his usually expressionless eyes flashed with a feeling of betrayal. "Because I was hoping you'd at least give me a chance."

"Zoro," Sanji started, but Zoro cut him off.

"I already said I wouldn't force you. I just want you to look at me," Zoro shrugged, and then scratched the back of his neck, a sure sign that he was feeling awkward. "Besides, if I read that, then you'll tell yourself anything you see is just because I'm fitting your list of probably ridiculous criteria."

Sanji gaped. He hadn't even thought of that. Not that he was thinking much about giving Zoro a chance at all…but the point was the marimo was being unusually perceptive. Something Sanji would never have expected from the usually brainless moss-head.

"I knew you were going to be stupid about this." Zoro said, looking down at the list again.

Sanji opened his mouth to protest, but Zoro continued.

"Seriously, I don't want it to be weird. I just…" He paused, looking completely out of his element. "I just want you to look at me. Like that. And maybe nothing will change…but maybe it will."

Sanji opened his mouth, making a couple of false starts before he found the right words. "I don't want to get your hopes up Zoro…"

"You won't," Zoro smirked. "And even if you do, you let me worry about that. Just do me this favor?" He held the list out again.

Sanji took it and nodded mutely. This was not going at all as planned, but what could he do? Zoro was completely serious, and Sanji would be insulting him by not treating him with equal seriousness. Besides, it wasn't an outrageous request right? Give Zoro a second of his thoughts during the day? Well he'd been doing that since yesterday anyway, and it hadn't killed him yet.

"I'm going to start breakfast," Sanji announced, pocketing his list. "Sorry I woke you up so early for nothing."

Zoro shrugged. "No worries. I can nap later. I'll just get a head start on my training."

Sanji nodded again, turning and leaving the marimo to his own devices. He needed to plan a meal now, something quick to make up for the time he'd lost talking to Zoro. Speaking of Zoro…he thought back to the list in his pocket.

He paused and half turned. "Hey, Marimo?"

Zoro stopped and turned at the call of his nickname. "Yeah?" He asked.

"Is there anything special you want for breakfast?" Sanji asked, quickly adding, "Since I got you up so early, the least I can do is make your choice."

Zoro seemed to think it over, but only for a second before he shrugged. "Nothing comes to mind. I'll eat whatever you make."

Sanji sighed. He'd expected as much, but the marimo had been so full of surprises lately he thought maybe, just maybe, he'd get another one. No such luck though.

"Sorry," Zoro called, picking up on Sanji's obvious disappointment. "I don't really have a lot of experience with cooking. I grew up on some pretty simple food. A lot of time you make stuff I've never even heard of. It's always good though, so I just enjoy getting to try the new things you make," He shrugged, turning to head up the crow's nest.

Sanji froze. "So the reason you never ask for anything…" He trailed off.

"Hm?" Zoro paused again. "Oh. I like trying new things that I haven't gotten to eat before. I just figure I'll leave it a surprise, you know?"

Sanji nodded without really thinking. That seemed to be enough for Zoro though, who turned and made his way up to the crow's nest. Sanji stared after him for a moment before turning and heading to the galley. Once he was inside he pulled his list out of his pocket. So Zoro liked trying new things? And he liked trying the things Sanji cooked, even if he'd never had them before…

Sanji carefully unfolded his list, pulled the pen from his opposite pocket, and crossed out the first item on his list.

Sanji worked quickly to make a breakfast that would please his crew. Breakfast was Sanji's favorite meal of the day. The menu possibilities were practically endless, and everyone could enjoy it without fuss. Sanji never accepted someone turning down his food, even if he had to shove it forcefully down their throats, and they'd all learned that the hard way. That didn't mean everyone liked what he was serving though. Luffy, for example, detested anything green and healthy for him. Sanji's job was to make sure they all ate and ate well. He'd seen the effects poor nutrition would have on sailors, and he would be sure no one on his ship suffered them.

Breakfast was easier. Sanji could hide the green things Luffy hated so much in potatoes or eggs, where he'd be less likely to notice them as he inhaled his food. Chopper, who adored sweet things, could be treated to muffins or pancakes without Sanji having to worry too much about his sugar intake. Nami enjoyed the fresh fruit Sanji tried to prepare every morning. Robin, an avid coffee drinker, especially enjoyed breakfast, as most of the food went well with her morning drink. Franky liked anything that was pan fried, and Usopp would eat anything that didn't contain mushrooms (he could pick even the smallest fragment of mushroom out of anything, and outright refused to eat them).

Brook, Sanji reflected, was the most convenient member of the crew.

In Sanji's eyes, breakfast was the one meal of the day he could please everyone while still keeping them healthy. He made sure there was at least something that would appeal to the crew laid out on the table. He looked it over and gave it an approving nod. Yes, everyone would enjoy this…

His thoughts drifted to Zoro. What would Zoro enjoy here? Probably not the muffins, Zoro didn't seem like the sweets type. What did he usually have for breakfast?

But Sanji couldn't think of anything. He didn't usually pay much attention to the marimo during meals, or at all really. He typically left the swordsman to his own devices, unless those devices put him in Sanji's way. Then Sanji would pick a fight.

Thinking of it that way, Sanji felt a little guilty. No wonder Zoro had just asked him to look at him, Sanji hardly gave him the time of day. Well, Sanji decided, he would be changing that now. He may not be planning on a relationship with Zoro, but he could at least try to treat the guy as a friend, right?

"Good morning, Cook-san," Robin gave her customary greeting, heading directly for the pot of coffee Sanji had prepared for her. She was always the first to rise, and Sanji had gotten quite used to her company in the mornings.

"Good morning Robin-san!" He greeted enthusiastically. "I trust you slept well?"

Robin smiled warmly. "As well as most nights, Cook-san," She replied, before drifting gracefully over to her usual seat at the table.

Sanji hummed happily as he set about catering to any needs she may have, though she assured him she was fine at the moment. Of course she would dismiss him, she knew how busy prepping meals could be. She was so wonderful and courteous and generous and caring and….

Observant. Robin was very observant.

"Pardon me, Robin-chwan," Sanji spoke, pulling Robin from the book she'd just opened. "I don't mean to interrupt, but could I ask you a question?"

Robin looked up at him with some surprise. For as…endearing as Cook-san could be, he was very rarely so thoughtful when he spoke to her. Instead he usually flitted around her, showering her with affection and praise before taking the hint and leaving her to the peace of her books. Today was an unusual exception, unusual enough that she set her book down and allowed him her attention. "Of course, Cook-san, how can I help you?"

Sanji thought for a moment of how best to word it. It was going to be an odd question no matter what though, so he decided the direct approach was for the best. "This may seem like an odd question, but have you ever noticed what kind of food Zoro likes best?"

Robin was intrigued by the question. It was no secret to the crew that Sanji and Zoro had a relationship built on blind rivalry, and it was rare for Sanji to show any concern for the swordsman. "That is an odd question, Cook-san, have you perhaps thought to ask Kenshi-san what he prefers?"

"Well, about that," Sanji set about explaining the conversation he and Zoro had just had that morning. Well, the parts of it that pertained to food, he wasn't going to bother his Robin-chan with their more personal affairs.

"But then Cook-san," Robin finally spoke after hearing his explanation. "Does that mean that Kenshi-san would be happy to eat anything you cooked?"

Sanji frowned. "Well…yes…but…"

"But you want to find something to appeal directly to his palette. Something he would enjoy more than most things?" She suggested.

Sanji couldn't be sure, but he swore he saw comprehension dawn on her for a moment before she shut it out and resumed her usual expression. He wondered briefly if perhaps talking to the ever observant Robin had maybe been a bad idea. Oh well, it was too late to go back now.

He nodded. "I realized he's the only person in the crew, besides Brook, that I don't cater too at some point. It just didn't seem very fair is all."

Robin's smile was understanding with a hint of glee, like she'd just solved an especially difficult puzzle. "Well then, Cook-san, if I might make a suggestion?"

Sanji nodded encouragingly. "Of course Robin-swan! I'd be honored to receive your advice!"

"I think it's quite simple, Cook-san. Perhaps you should set Kenshi-san's plate up with a sample of everything, and be sure to observe his reactions to the food," Robin explained before picking up her book again. Cook-san could figure the rest out on his own, she was sure. It was sure to be an interesting day for meal times, she thought before resuming the history of the last island they had encountered.

"You're a genius, Robin-chwan!" Sanji cooed happily before setting about making a plate for Zoro before the others arrived.

Robin was very subtle in her breakfast time observations, but she was sure not to miss a pleasantly surprised swordsman flash a winning smile at a slightly blushing cook, before the two broke down into their usual banter. Joining Luffy's crew had been such a good idea, she reflected, everything on this ship was so fun. With that thought, she happily batted a straying rubber hand away from her plate and dug into breakfast.

A/N:

I was trying to capture something here...I'm not sure if it worked. Well hopefully it did! If not I need to practice more!

Thank you all for the wonderful reviews so far! I was very flattered that people actually liked what I had started! Hopefully I don't disappoint! Thank you all again!

This chapters out a little earlier than expected, because, well, I finished it earlier than expected. So I hope you enjoyed!